I'm getting ready to plant my garden(s) and I'm using containers this time.  I've had in-ground gardens for years and it can be alot of work, especially, just in getting the soil ready.  It's so much easier to move the containers around to where the good sun is during the day.  I tried this last year and it worked out pretty good.  I really enjoy getting my hands dirty and watching the plants grow and hopefully bear fruit.  The birds, bees, and butterflies also enjoy the plants.  The ladybugs start coming around and before you know a couple of huge garden spiders will spin their webs and catch the flies and moths.  It's a real circus out there if you now what to do and how to  get it started.  It's not rocket science.  I try to present a variety of plants to them and just sit back and watch the show.

It's cheap entertainment in the long run and you get fresh veggies and a "floor show" while pruning or weeding.  I find it therapeutic and rewarding while interacting with Mom Nature and the kiddos.  If you have never tried container gardening, it's not difficult.  Just get a couple of nice big containers.  Plastic milk/water jugs will work with the tops cut off.  Be sure to punch a few holes in the bottom for drainage.  Any big container will work as long as the water can drain.  Or you can run over to the local home improvement gardening center and pick up the fancy expensive containers.  Potting soil for vegetable plants would be ideal but it's not necessary.  I use regular potting soil also.  You could do a mixture of the two.  Plants are relatively inexpensive and I would also suggest getting some plant food for vegetables to give them a good start.  If you plant young tomato plants, I put about 1/2 to 2/3 of the plant's root and shaft down into the soil in the container.

You can even put the containers on the patio, balcony, on the roof, or move them into the garage or a shed if the weather gets bad.  Try just a few plants or seedlings and see how you like it.  The critters will come around and perform for you.  Before you know it you'll be gathering fresh veggies from your own garden for a meal or snack.  Remember, there is always fried green tomatoes, if necessary.  Enjoy!